Developmental Psychology 350
Lecture 4
9-18-00
Outline
- Prenatal risk factors
- Excerpts from "9 Month Miracle"
- Prenatal diagnostic techniques
- Birth processes
- Birth complications
- Prematurity
Prenatal Risk Factors
Genetic anomalies
Maternal characteristics
Maternal behavior
Paternal behavior
Environmental hazards
Genetic Anomalies
Sickle cell anemia
Rh incompatability
PKU
Down’s syndrome
Maternal Characteristics
Age and health status
Diseases and STDs
Hormones and fertility drugs such as DES
Maternal Behavior
Poor nutrition
Lack of vitamins and minerals
Smoking
Medication & drugs
Stress and emotionality
Alcohol abuse & (FAS)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Primary Disabilities
Average IQ = 79
Reading, math scores much below average
Secondary Disabilities
90% had mental health problems
60% disrupted school experiences
60% trouble with law
50% in-patient treatment or incarceration
50% inappropriate sexual behavior
Paternal Behavior
Smoking - secondary contamination
Alcohol -low birth weight, infertility
Medication & drugs - few effects
Abuse - 8-17% of pregnant women are battered
Environmental Hazards
Radiation
Pollutants
Lead poisoning
Methyl mercury and PCBs in fish
9 Month Miracle CD
A.D.A.M. = Animated Dissection of Anatomy for Medicine
Methods to Detect Prenatal Problems
Embryo biopsy
Ultrasound
Amniocentesis
Chorionic villi sampling
Maternal blood sampling
Preparation for Childbirth
Maternal health, diet, fitness
Medical history, screening
Prenatal checkups, care, advice
Childbirth classes and father’s role
Delivery - Home or hospital? Physician or midwife? Who is present? Medication or no medication?
Stages of Birth
Labor
pains
dilation of cervix & "showing"
ruptured amniotic sac
Delivery of the child
Placenta delivery
Birth Complications
Anoxia during delivery
Anesthetics & analgesics
Breech position
Difficult labor & delivery
Cesarean delivery
Cesarean Delivery
Occurs for 15-20% of births because:
tangled cord
breech position
placenta previa
prolonged labor
mother’s health risk
Controversy: Is it used too often?
Does not prevent vaginal delivery of subsequent children
Prematurity
Small for gestational age (SGA)
Weighs less than 2500 grams
Less than 37 weeks gestation
Little body fat, hollow cheeks
Uncoordinated movements
Susceptible to infection, disease, & respiratory distress
Massage for Premies
(Field et al, 1987)
Two groups of premies:
Group A - touch/massage for 45 min/day; three times per day for 10 days
Group B - no massage control
Group A babies
gained 47% more weight
shorter hospital stays (6 days)
better developmental scores during first year
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